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Retirements and resignations announced

Feb. 11, 2009

KALAMAZOO--The retirements of one faculty member and three staff members were included in the personnel report presented to the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees at its Feb. 4 meeting. Trustees also accepted the resignations of four faculty members.

The faculty member who is retiring is doing so with emerita status. Her name, position, years of continuous service and effective date of retirement is: Dr. Susan Ponchillia, professor of blindness and low vision studies, 28 years, effective Dec. 13, 2009.

In related business, trustees noted that Dr. Steven C. Rhodes, professor and director of the School of Communication, will not be retiring as planned, but will be stepping down from his administrative post and returning to the faculty Aug. 10, 2009. He also has been granted a sabbatical leave from Aug. 10, through Dec. 13, 2009.

The staff members retiring are: Sheila K. Johnson, utility food worker in dining services-Bernhard Center, 17-1/2 years, effective April 30, 2009; Thomas G. Waltz, custodian in physical plant-building, custodial and support services, 34-1/2 years, effective April, 30, 2009; and Hazel N. Williams, office associate in dining services-Valley #2, 25-1/2 years, effective May 31, 2009.

The faculty members resigning are: Marie-Laure Bognol-Potter, assistant professor of management, effective Dec. 14, 2008; Jerry L. Emde, instructor of mathematics, effective Feb. 6, 2009; Dr. Eric J. Fox, assistant professor of psychology, effective Jan. 4, 2009; and Dr. Darrell Johnson, dean of Extended University programs, effective Jan. 25, 2009.

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

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